Austria sees high demand for free vaccination programs

Austria is seeing high demand for its free vaccination programs. Health Minister Korinna Schumann and State Secretary Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig noted that while influenza vaccinations have been free for all residents since the 2024/25 season, upcoming expansions include free pneumococcal and shingles vaccines for those over 60 and high-risk groups in 2025.

However, the high demand for shingles vaccines has created a supply strain. Of the 900,000 doses procured for the public program, approximately 647,400 vaccinations were documented by the end of August. This surge may lead to longer waiting times for the required second dose, potentially exceeding the recommended six-month interval.

Johannes Steinhart, President of the Austrian Medical Chamber, expressed support for the program expansion but noted the difficulty of managing limited supplies. The Medical Chamber has also requested the inclusion of free RSV vaccinations for adults and continues to oppose the proposal to allow vaccinations in pharmacies.